HR0230 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0230 LRB100 11927 KLG 23605 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of James L. "Jim" Johnson Sr. of Hardin, who passed away on March 9, 2017; and

WHEREAS, James Johnson Sr. was born to Lois Green and John "Jack" Johnson Sr. on July 14, 1952; he graduated from Calhoun High School; and

WHEREAS, James Johnson Sr. worked for 39 years for the Calhoun County Highway Department, from where he retired in 2014; he was also a coach of several former Calhoun County women's softball teams, including Big Al's and the Apple Blossom; he had an accomplished career as a basketball referee, where he had a passion both for helping young players better understand the game and mentoring new officials; during his 35 years as a referee, he worked 26 regionals, nine sectionals, seven super sectionals, and officiated the IHSA Girls Basketball State Tournament four times, including the title game in 1997; he worked games in the WIVC, Pike County, Central State Eight, SCC, Mississippi Valley, and South Western conferences; in 2015, he was inducted into the Illinois High School Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame; and

WHEREAS, James Johnson Sr. was preceded in death by his father; his daughters, Jody Johnson and Megan Johnson; and his sister, Carol (Rick) Weishaupt; and

WHEREAS, James Johnson Sr. is survived by his wife, Diane "Punky" Johnson; his mother, Lois Green; his stepmother, Shirley Johnson; his sons, James Johnson Jr. and Mike Anderson; his daughters, Erin Johnson, Christy (Ben) Baalman, and Ashley (Jeff) Anderson; his grandchildren, Kaden, Cayson, Camden, Ryleigh, Raylyn, Kinslee, and Max; his brothers, John (Marilyn) Johnson, Paul Johnson, Allen (Debbie) Johnson, David (Karen) Johnson, Calvin (Kini) Johnson, and Lucky Johnson; his sisters, Shirley (Kevin) Stoner and Crystal Gibson; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of James L. "Jim" Johnson Sr., and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of James Johnson Sr. as an expression of our deepest sympathy.